Shooting ‘link to gang feud’

A MAN thought to be in his late teens was in a critical condition in hospital last night after being shot in the neck and legs in what gardaí believe is part of a Limerick gangland feud.

However, they do not believe the attack is connected to the attempted shooting last Monday night of crime boss Kieran Keane’s widow Sophie.

Shortly before 6pm last night a car pulled up close to two young men, near Limerick railway station.

One of the car’s occupants, who was wearing a balaclava, jumped out and fired a number of shots at one of the men. He then jumped back into the car, driven by an accomplice also wearing a balaclava.

Gardaí believe the car then headed in the direction of Hyde Road and into the southside of the city.

Emergency services were quickly on the scene and the injured man was rushed to St John’s Hospital.

A Garda spokesman said the hospital had informed them that the young man was in a critical condition.

Gardaí sealed off the scene for technical examination by forensics experts.

“A number of shots were discharged by the gunman. We believe that he used a handgun,” said the spokesman, adding that the victim was hit in the neck and legs.

This is the second shooting in Limerick in five days.

Late last Monday, shots were fired at the house of Sophie Keane in Garryowen. She was in the house with a 17-year-old son, but escaped injury.

Her husband Kieran was killed in a gangland feud in January 2003.

The investigation into last night’s shooting is being led by Superintendent Frank O’Brien and anyone with information is asked to contact Roxboro Road Garda Station at 061-214340.